In a historic and landmark development for Pakistan’s seed sector, “PATCO Seeds,” an initiative of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), has successfully secured approval as a Seed Business Enterprise from the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA). This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening Pakistan’s seed industry and enhancing the availability of high-quality seeds for farmers across the country.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has demonstrated strong leadership and unwavering commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s agriculture sector, particularly the seed industry, through innovation, regulatory reforms, and enhanced private sector engagement.
The Federal Minister stated that the approval of PATCO Seeds as a Seed Business Enterprise is a major step toward transforming Pakistan’s agriculture into a modern, resilient, and competitive sector. He emphasized that the government remains committed to empowering national institutions, including PARC, to deliver innovation directly to farmers and to ensure sustainable food security.
Under the Minister’s guidance, PARC has undertaken strategic initiatives to strengthen institutional frameworks, promote public-private partnerships, and facilitate investment in agri-business ventures. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between agricultural research and its commercial application.
The approval of PATCO Seeds underscores PARC’s continued commitment to translating research into practical and commercial success. As a certified Seed Business Enterprise, PATCO Seeds is now well-positioned to play a transformative role in the production, processing, and distribution of certified seeds, contributing to improved crop yields and national food security.
Chairman PARC, Dr. Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, welcomed the development and termed it a significant milestone in PARC’s journey toward commercialization of research. He highlighted that PATCO Seeds will serve as a vital link between cutting-edge agricultural research and its application at the farm level, ultimately benefiting farmers nationwide.
PATCO Seeds will focus on ensuring the commercial availability of high-quality, climate-resilient, and high-yield seed varieties tailored to Pakistan’s diverse agro-ecological zones. The initiative is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods, and create new employment opportunities.
In the context of emerging challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and population growth, the Federal Minister’s forward-looking vision, coupled with PARC’s innovative initiatives like PATCO Seeds, reflects the Government’s commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and self-reliant agricultural sector.
